Icom IC-R8500 Peoples Thoughts?

[radiowaves]

Hi Group,

Was looking at the R8500 as my next Scanner.

Anyone have anything good or bad to say about this unit?

Thanks

 

[brandon]

Said to be the best according to this posting.
I've never read anything bad abou the Icom R8500 either, so that is a good sign.

I know I'd like one.

 

[OHIOSCAN]

8500

I've owned my 8500 for 10 years, yes its a rock solid "RECEIVER" not a scanner.
Its scan rate is pathetic, if you monitor 1 freq at a time you will be happy. I would
reccommend getting the R75 for HF and the Bc996 for scanning. That or wait for
the new GRE PSR-600 Base due in Dec. The 8500 is getting to be a bit dated with
all the new Digital system coming online.

Mike

 

[DaveIN]

I traded mine off for the reasons OHIOSCAN mentioned. It was an excellent wide band receiver, but not great for scanning and a bit dated. A dedicated shortwave receiver like my Drake R8B or R75 is much better suited for HF. You may want to look at the IC-PCR2500 if you want a do all wide band receiver, unless you can afford the IC-R9500.

 

[radiowaves]

Thanks Everyone!